A stroke is an emergency medical situation that often occurs suddenly. However, if you’re at risk of experiencing one, you’re likely more inclined to take steps to avoid it. Talking to your primary care provider about what you can do to lower your risk is the first one.
Kayo Perley, MD, a primary care provider in our Greenville market, shares some questions you should discuss with your provider.
If you’re at risk for a stroke, make an appointment with your primary care provider so you can get answers to your questions about what you can do to avoid a stroke.
What should you as your primary care provider about strokes if you’re at risk?
What lifestyle changes can I make to lower my stroke risk?
Several lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of stroke:
- Don’t smoke: If you smoke cigarettes or other tobacco products currently, consider quitting. Smoking significantly increases your stroke risk.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
- Drink less alcohol: Avoid heavy alcohol use and binge drinking.
- Have a healthy diet: Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean meats also helps prevent a stroke. The Mediterranean diet has some of the strongest evidence for reducing stroke risk.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can greatly increase your stroke risk. Losing excess weight can lower that risk, particularly by reducing excess abdominal (central) body fat.
- Sleep well: Prioritize good sleep and stress management as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
Are there supplements I can take to reduce my stroke risk?
For most people, supplements have not been shown to significantly reduce stroke risk. However, if you have a folic acid deficiency, folic acid supplementation may help lower stroke risk. Nutritional deficiencies should be identified and treated under the guidance of your provider.
What medications can help reduce my chances of having a stroke?
The right medications depend on your individual risk factors and medical history. Common medications used to reduce stroke risk include:
- Statins, which help lower cholesterol and stabilize plaque within blood vessels.
- Aspirin, for select patients only.
- Medications that control underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or atrial fibrillation.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists have increasing evidence for stroke risk reduction.
Talk with your provider to determine which medications are appropriate for you.
Is there any other testing or screening I should consider?
Yes. Identifying and treating stroke risk factors early is important. Depending on your age, symptoms and medical history, your provider may recommend:
- Regular blood pressure monitoring
- Screening for atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Cholesterol testing
- Diabetes screening
- Evaluation for sleep apnea
- Assessment for carotid artery disease in select patients
Are my children at risk if I am?
Most strokes are not caused by a single inherited genetic condition, and genetic testing is not routinely part of stroke evaluation or management. However, studies suggest that having a parent who has experienced a stroke may modestly increase a child’s risk of stroke later in life.
This increased risk is thought to result from a complex combination of shared environmental factors, lifestyle habits, medical conditions and, in some cases, genetic influences. The most important way to reduce stroke risk for future generations is to focus on healthy lifestyle habits and management of cardiovascular risk factors.
What should I do if I recognize the signs of a stroke?
It’s important to know the signs of a stroke, especially if you’re at an elevated risk of experiencing one. Remembering the acronym BEFAST can help you recognize them in a serious situation:
- Balance: Sudden difficulty with balance or coordination, dizziness, vertigo
- Eyes: Sudden blurred, double or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Face: Sudden facial drooping or weakness, typically on one side
- Arm: Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm (or leg), especially unilateral
- Speech: Slurred speech, inability to speak or difficulty understanding speech
- Time: Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur
If you notice any signs of a stroke, time is of the essence. Call 911 right away to ensure you are treated as quickly as possible to improve your chances of survival and recovery.
How we can help
The prospect of experiencing a stroke can be scary. However, understanding how at risk you are can help you take steps to potentially prevent one from occurring.
Make an appointment with your primary care provider to start the conversation about what you can do to lower your risk of a stroke.
Learn about the primary care services we offer at Bon Secours.
